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Sustainable beekeeping tips, talk & how-to from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina
Episodes
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Reviewing the content of a club talk I gave last month "Specialty Splits: Or, Why would you Ever just do a Walkaway?"
This podcast continues to be listener-powered so remains free of adverts and sponsorship messages. Thank you Patrons!!
--
Please become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes
• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees
• Input on the podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a dozen-ish hives in a rural Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments thus far. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
108: Bee Radio Reader: Bait Hives
Reading the older article Bait Hives for Honey Bees by Dr. Tom Seeley et al. Read the article here.
Other links to bait hive info:
https://www.beeculture.com/get-bait-hives-ready/
https://www.bee-craft.com/beecraft-extra/articles/how-to-use-a-bait-hive
https://www.honeybeesuite.com/tag/swarm-traps/
Enjoy! And happy swarm catching!
Note: The splits book will be delayed -- I'd hoped to have it ready for you by now! -- but I'll be sharing the pieces in progress with the Patrons here as well as sharing other tips and bonus content here every week.
This podcast continues to be listener-powered so remains free of adverts and sponsorship messages. Thank you Patrons!! kind regards, Leigh
--
Please become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes
• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees
• Input on the podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a dozen-ish hives in a rural Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments thus far. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Wednesday Mar 15, 2023
Wednesday Mar 15, 2023
Ep 107: Coming out of Winter and HELLO AGAIN!
(Recorded mid-March 2023) It's so exciting to see the new beekeeping season on the horizon....even if I had horrid overall winter survival due to things I failed do last season. I'll talk about late winter colony issues and care, how NOT to have a winter like I had, how to get the most out of bee mentors and your bee guild, and other random bee chat to start up the podcast for the year.
The splits book will be delayed -- I'd hoped to have it ready for you by now! -- but I'll be sharing the pieces in progress with the Patrons here as well as sharing other tips and bonus content here every week.
This podcast continues to be listener-powered so remains free of adverts and sponsorship messages. Thank you Patrons!!
--
Please become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes
• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees
• Input on the podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a dozen-ish hives in a rural Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments thus far. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Monday Nov 21, 2022
Monday Nov 21, 2022
In this episode: Announcement re pausing the podcast till around Valentine's Day 2023....so I can write you a handbook on splits! :-)
Patreon billing for the monthly pledges of supporters will be paused from now until February 2023 ...but I'm still available for messages from Patrons during the winter for any burning questions. Also feel free to write me about YOUR favorite kind of split and why!
**Correction from what I said in the episode: new memberships are paused till then too due to the Patreon system.
Patrons who have shared a total of $24 or more of support to the podcast will get a copy of the split handbook FREE as a thank you for that support!
Other listeners will have the chance to purchase a copy when it is available too.
The article I'm reading from about Optera:
https://researchmagazine.uncg.edu/spring-2023/part-of-the-hive/bee-business/
Optera website: https://opterabees.com/
Wednesday Oct 26, 2022
Wednesday Oct 26, 2022
Our local black jar honey contest has awarded the winners! Sadly, I'm not among them...but some great folks are. A foray into Fall weirdness at the home apiary with some robbing and (whut?!) bees building outside a tree. And a teaser about the potentially amazing product-to-come, Optera. Hope you enjoy! Leigh
--
Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes
• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees
• Input on the podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a dozen-ish hives in a rural Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments thus far. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Friday Oct 07, 2022
Friday Oct 07, 2022
Hello wonderful Patrons and all listeners! FINALLY a new episode - catching up a bit on the farm bees, pre-winter prep progress and random bits. THANK YOU ALL for your support and patience with me. Leigh
ps. I mentioned a couple of videos I've enjoyed lately. Bee videos are my favorite way to make kitchen clean up more enjoyable! :-) I was letting bee videos play in the background and ended up learning a lot listening to some I might not have chosen to watch otherwise... I have links, descriptions and comments on this (public) Patreon post. Hope you enjoy! https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-104-are-73001852
--
Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes
• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees
• Input on the podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a dozen-ish hives in a rural Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments thus far. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Tuesday Aug 09, 2022
Tuesday Aug 09, 2022
Bee Radio Reader: Combining Hives Early for Fall (103)
Reading from "Practical Mergers: Do It Soon" by Zachary Lamas, August 2020, by permission of Bee Culture Magazine.
--
Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes
• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees
• Input on the podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a dozen-ish hives in a rural Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Tuesday Jul 05, 2022
Tuesday Jul 05, 2022
Episode 102: Summertime and the living is....hot. Tips on cooling off hives in summer; REVIEW of test-frame technique to detect queenlessness vs other reasons. WINNER of the Bee Culture magazine sub from episode 100!!!
Thank you all so much for listening! I invite everyone to join on Patreon below for more content --or if you just want to support the show. If that's not your thing -- please consider leaving a five-star review on Apple podcasts if you enjoy this podcast. I appreciate you all so much. Leigh
--
Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes
• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees
• Input on the podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a 'beekeeper's dozen' of hives in a rural, high elevation Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Wednesday Jun 01, 2022
Wednesday Jun 01, 2022
In this episode: LOVING the runaway (or flyback) split after all! / comparisons of other types of splits / tips for newspaper combines / tips for fixing a laying worker colony. I go on and on since I have lots of built up stuff to tell you! Please forgive me on that (and ignore the JET going overhead during the middle ). So glad to be back in the bees and back chatting with you! Leigh
--
Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes
• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees
• Input on the podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a 'beekeeper's dozen' of hives in a rural, high elevation Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Monday Apr 25, 2022
Monday Apr 25, 2022
Episode 100! Double Screen Board Love
Links mentioned in the episode:
This is the link (free and open to everyone) if you are interested in the book and Bee Culture subscription mentioned in celebration of this 100th episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-100-love-65588303
Bob Binnie on splitting with a double screen board. Please note he is using queen cells so the compartment without flying bees for a while after the split does NOT have to feed and raise the queen cells. I mention this important detail in the pod episode too... https://youtu.be/Z62UwOLfdMo
The Apiarist blog post on making vertical splits using a 'split board' that I mentioned: https://www.theapiarist.org/vertical-splits-making-increase/ I'll be doing a video explainer and a printable recipe for patrons on vertical splits to accompany the next episode.
--
Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes
• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees
• Input on the podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a 'beekeeper's dozen' of hives in a rural, high elevation Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Thursday Mar 31, 2022
Thursday Mar 31, 2022
Thinking about Splits (99) - Hi Patrons! Hit me up with your questions about splits in the comments of the show post at Patreon and I'd be happy to try to help ! https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes
• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees
• Input on the podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a 'beekeeper's dozen' of hives in a rural, high elevation Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Thursday Mar 10, 2022
Thursday Mar 10, 2022
Hi everyone! This is a compilation episode of previous patreon-only episodes 66 and 85-- both on the Nucleus Split method which I use a lot. It's simple, pretty safe* even if the weather is still cool. Also gives a brood break to the great majority of the bees which helps lessen mite reproduction.
(*as long as you make sure the queen retirement nuc has plenty of bees to cover the frames on cold nights AND as long as you GO BACK to the queenless portion ON TIME to either pull queen cell frames and staff to mating nucs/queen castes...OR to cull the queen cells down to ONE. All this is explained in this audio compilation!)
Contents:
Introduction / fundraiser for World Central Kitchen wck.org who is currently supporting the citizens of Ukraine...and a way to get yourself some Five Apple Farm honey as a bonus when you donate / Local support to Common Ground of Eastern North Carolina on behalf of the listeners / SEGMENT 1: A reading from The Apiarist, a favorite blog out of Scotland with his how-to on making nucleus splits (66) / SEGMENT 2: My discussion of making nucleus splits (85) and a tale of a split gone wild.
Enjoy! For the patrons I'll be posting a downloadable 'recipe' for the basic nucleus split as well as some variations I use to make more queens with it!
kind regards, Leigh
--
Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes
• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees
• Input on the podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a 'beekeeper's dozen' of hives in a rural, high elevation Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Tuesday Feb 15, 2022
Tuesday Feb 15, 2022
Bonus episode (97) for Patrons: Thoughts on the Interview
A rambling recount of tidbits I took away from the Ang Roell interview and the study results and how it will affect splits in my own beekeeping....but also drawing your attention to bits of info that were small in mention but HUGE in importance. Hope you enjoy. THANK YOU PATRONS!! Leigh
Please check out the PDF " Walk Away Split Recipe & Fact Sheet" available free at https://www.theykeepbees.com/beekeeping-classes for context. Hope you enjoy! Leigh
--
Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes
• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees
• Input on the podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a 'beekeeper's dozen' of hives in a rural, high elevation Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Monday Feb 07, 2022
Monday Feb 07, 2022
Ang Roell Interview Part 2 (96)
In this portion with dig deeper into the factors affecting queen quality in the study as well as wander on some enjoyable tangents! Please check out the PDF " Walk Away Split Recipe & Fact Sheet" available free at www.theykeepbees.com for context. Hope you enjoy! Leigh
--
Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes
• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees
• Input on the podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a 'beekeeper's dozen' of hives in a rural, high elevation Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Monday Jan 31, 2022
Monday Jan 31, 2022
I've been watching the research, results and resources emerging from the work of Ang Roell, Sam Comfort and team for a few years now! Their latest data and resources have gone above and beyond! AND have directly application to backyard beekeepers who want to raise their own queens and get a QUALITY result.
To get the free resources mentioned in the episode go here and look for the downloads toward the bottom of the page AND sign up for the Queen School series (free) to see the online presentations and if you want to join them in person in the summer:
https://www.theykeepbees.com/beekeeping-classes
--
Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes
• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees
• Input on the podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a 'beekeeper's dozen' of hives in a rural, high elevation Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Tuesday Jan 18, 2022
Tuesday Jan 18, 2022
Welcome to Bee Season 2022! (episode 94)
Despite the cold and snow...the bee season is starting up in those hives! Listen in for goings on here at the farm (love that sandwich box trick), propolis curtains (!), some tips on what to watch out for AND prepare for next. The annual "Don't Give Up" talk...and a challenge to choose the next new skill to up your beekeeping game in 2022!
--
Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes
• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees
• Input on the podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a 'beekeeper's dozen' of hives in a rural, high elevation Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Thursday Dec 16, 2021
Thursday Dec 16, 2021
Check your hives for winter weight! Then....please enjoy this reflection on Irish beekeeper Tim Rowe's 2016 book "The Rose Hive Method." Patrons, I'll be passing the book along to one of you! See the post and let me know why you are interested in reading! (details in the episode). Post is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/59993768
--
Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes
• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees
• Input on the podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $1 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a 'beekeeper's dozen' of hives in a rural, high elevation Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Friday Nov 19, 2021
Friday Nov 19, 2021
Nucs over double-screen boards, more winter patty love, boxes with wood shavings vs foam board top insulation....the winter testing ground here we come. An extra for patrons--Links to equipment and videos mentioned in this episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/58906090
Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes
• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees
• Input on the podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $1 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a 'beekeeper's dozen' of hives in a rural, high elevation Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Sunday Oct 10, 2021
Sunday Oct 10, 2021
Listened to an episode of Honey Bee Obscura (their episode 41) on fall feeding and wanted to share observations it brought to mind and other ideas about feeding options with you all. It's that time of year!
This episode of BFAF released on 06 OCT to Patrons and to the public on 10 OCT. Patrons, remember you have your own audio RSS feed for all the podcasts, plus your early releases and bonus episodes. If you log into Patreon and navigate to your membership tab, your private RSS feed is show there and can be copy/pasted into your favorite podcast app!
Show notes and links mentioned in this episode are available to everyone here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/57083467
--
Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes
• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees
• Input on the podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $1 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a 'beekeeper's dozen' of hives in a rural, high Appalachian climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Tuesday Sep 28, 2021
Tuesday Sep 28, 2021
Doing the first look-back of the 2021 season at the things that have gone well so far!
Thank you Patrons and Listeners! I appreciate each and every one of you.
kind regards, Leigh
(recorded 21SEP21 - released to Patrons on 26SEP21)
--
Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month!
• Access to Patreon
• blog posts including "Tip of the Week"
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
You can support this podcast you are able to share $1 or up a month, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-ish stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Monday Aug 23, 2021
Monday Aug 23, 2021
Thank you Bee Culture magazine and Ross Conrad for this article. Also included in the episode, chat about goings on here at the farm.
Get your Bee Culture subscription and have access to years of archives in addition to the magazine! https://www.beeculture.com/magazine/
Recorded on 17AUG21
kind regards to each of you and THANK YOU PATRONS for making this podcast possible!
--
Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month!
• Access to Patreon
• blog posts including "Tip of the Week"
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
You can support this podcast you are able to share $1 or up a month, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-ish stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Tuesday Jul 20, 2021
Tuesday Jul 20, 2021
Bee Radio Reader: Winter Bees! (88)
Thank you to Meghan Milbrath and American Bee Journal for this article from January 2020: https://americanbeejournal.com/the-greatest-generation-winter-bees/
Subscribe to American Bee Journal here: https://www.dadant.com/catalog/books-subscriptions/american-bee-journal
kind regards to each of you and THANK YOU PATRONS for making this podcast possible!
--
Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month!
• Access to Patreon
• blog posts including "Tip of the Week"
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
You can support this podcast you are able to share $1 or up a month, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-ish stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Sunday Jun 27, 2021
Sunday Jun 27, 2021
Bears and Bees don't mix... (87)
Let me tell you a tale of woe (that could have been SO much worse) but hopefully you will learn from my mistakes!
Thank you to each and every Patron and Listener!!
kind regards, Leigh
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Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month!
• Access to Patreon
• blog posts including "Tip of the Week"
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
You can support this podcast you are able to share $1 or up a month, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-ish stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Tuesday May 25, 2021
Tuesday May 25, 2021
I'm in love with the Layens hive... (86)
Here's the long rambling story of how I accidentally fell in love with a Layens hive and got one going in my yard as an experiment....and plan to gradually transition to a similar hive style in the future (once I build it compatible with Lang frame width). Photos and links mentioned are found here and available to all:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/51674430
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-ish stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Wednesday May 05, 2021
Wednesday May 05, 2021
[BOOKMARK...plus a tip on bees vs calendars] In the full episode: Back in Episode 66 (another Patron-exclusive podcast) we covered how to make a "Nucleus Split" according to the recipe over at The Apiarist blog. The Nucleus Split has been my split of choice this particular Spring. Most times it goes swimmingly! Other times, split gets real. ;-) Either way, it gives excellent results in a split that can be used to make one or multiple new colonies -- all without risking your mother colony. Thank you to every Patron who keeps this podcast going!
kind regards, Leigh
--
Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month!
• Access to Patreon
• blog posts including "Tip of the Week"
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
You can support this podcast you are able to share $1 or up a month, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-ish stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.